Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Some Thoughts About Rugby

By Nihal D Amerasekera



The beautiful game of rugby is quintessentially British.  It started as a sport in 1824 at Rugby School which is 90 minutes drive away from my home in England. I have had the good fortune to visit this great school established in 1567 when my elder son played 1st XI cricket for a rival public school.   The elegant sweep of the 500 year old school buildings is breathtakingly beautiful. The view of the school as a backdrop to the lush green sports ground is stunning. It was the British who brought over the ethos, curriculum and the sports to Ceylon from their own Public Schools. Eton, Harrow and Rugby were the breeding grounds for the army officers and administrators who helped to govern the colonies of the Great British Empire.  The novelist George Orwell wrote: 'Probably the battle of Waterloo was won on the playing-fields of Eton’. Thomas Hughes attended Rugby School from 1834-42 and has written a graphic account of his life as a boarder in “Tom Brown’s schooldays”.  He recounts the camaraderie, friendships, the highs and the lows in ‘vivid technicolour’. I have posted a photo of Rugby School in the  hope that when you watch your next game of Rugby you will reflect on where it all started  nearly 200 years ago.

I dedicate this short account to my friend and batchmate Sidath Jayanetti who played Rugby for Royal College. His fearless tackles and sweeping runs will be long remembered as will be his friendly smile and genuine kindness. I remember with much fondness our happy time together in Kurunegala all those years ago. How time has flown !!

5 comments:

  1. ND , your "thoughts on Rugby"dedicated to Sidath was both informative and interesting.I regret to say I know next to nothing of the intricacies of the game even though NewZealand is the home of the All Blacks.My interest in rugby encounters often start with the start of the national anthem and end with the end of the Haka! even though others in the household get very excited with the game and frantic text messages even go between NZ and NY where my daughter lives!
    My purpose in writing this is purely to say that your great talent in descriptive writing has again been very much appreciated.

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  2. No doubt we'll have more of these from you.
    Further, Salut d'amour has been a long time favourite of mine
    Thanks ND

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  3. I must thank all who make comments about our contributions. They are vital to keep our blog alive and provides the oxygen to go on and produce more. This is our place on cyberspace to gather and socialise. Despite the miles and the years that separate us the bonds seem strong. A few clicks of the rodent and you are online with friends. The hang-ups we had in the faculty, thankfully, have now melted away. Our heartfelt thanks must go to Lucky for maintaining it so well and equitably.
    ND

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  4. I wish to join ND in saying Thankyou Very Much to Lucky for the great work he is doing and for having given us the opportunity of communicating with our long lost batch mates.
    Wish you all a very Happy festive season!

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  5. Rohini: Thank you for the comments, encouragement and good wishes.
    ND

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